Soups Of The World: Raises Funds, Builds Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Community, And Shares International Cultures

On November 12, 2015, NORVA hosted its biennial fundraiser, Soups of the World, at the NASH (National Slovenian Home). Guests were greeted to the event by tables full of beautiful handmade bowls made by local artist Sandy Miller ready for guests to pick up and fill with soups from all over the world. The tables were beautifully arranged and decorated by returned volunteers with souvenirs from their service.

The soups available, represented Peace Corps volunteers' services all through out the world. Borsch and Okrosha from Ukraine,Turkish Red Lentil and Lobio from Georgia, Bori Bori from Paraguay, Peanut Soup and Nkatenkwan from West Africa, Fillipinio Champorado, Chinese Velvety Chicken Coconut , and Creamy Bruschetta Soup allowed guest to have tastes from far away while staying warm and cozy at the event. Guests could also keep their taste buds local and taste Chili, Cheeseburger, Clam Chowder, Mac and Cheese, Rice and Beans, Split Pea and Butternut Squash soups.

Sharing a bowl of soups from returned volunteers from every decade connected with others, and RPCV friends and families. Guests were also able to browse and bid on a range of the silent auction baskets, gift cards and experiences.

As the night continued on Soups of the World featured dancers from the International Institute of Akron, an organization helping to resettle refugees. Resettled refuges from Bhutan and Nepal, entertained with a variety of traditional and contemporary dances.

Smiling guests left with new purchases from the silent auction and their soup bowls to remember the night.

The event raised funds to cover the budget for NORVA for at least the next two years. NORVA has a completely volunteer board, and uses all of the funds raised to support third goal activities at home through PAGE grants, fund currently serving volunteers from the Northern Ohio region PCPP projects, and support the RPCV community in Northern Ohio by providing volunteer and networking

opportunities.

NORVA thanks all those who attended and made the night full of love, world friendship and discovery and strengthened our local returned volunteer community.

Special thanks goes to the Soups Committee, NORVA members who cooked soups and volunteered at the event, donors to the silent auction, and all the friends and families who support the NORVA community.

Couldn’t make the event, or want to continue to support NORVA, donations can be made any time on our website at www.peacecorpsohio.org, and clicking the donate tab.